Endoscopic band ligation plus argon plasma coagulation versus scleroligation for eradication of esophageal varices

Abstract

Scleroligation allows very rapid eradication of varices, has a low recurrence rate, avoids the disadvantage of high recurrence of band ligation alone, and does not require special skills over sclerotherapy or band ligation. Also, band ligation plus argon plasma coagulation allows for very rapid eradication of varices, and a low recurrence rate, with no obvious recorded complications, but it has the disadvantage of being the most expensive technique and requires special equipment that is only available in a few endoscopic centers.